There are a few common reasons why your phone may be getting hot:
Using resource-intensive apps
The most common reason your phone gets hot is because you’re using apps that utilize a lot of processing power and battery. This includes things like gaming apps, video streaming apps, and other graphic-intensive programs. The more resources being used, the harder your phone’s processor has to work, which generates more heat.
Charging
Phones tend to heat up when charging because power is being transferred into the battery. Fast charging technologies like Quick Charge produce even more heat. Wireless charging also makes phones warmer compared to wired charging.
Poor airflow
If your phone doesn’t have proper airflow, heat can build up quickly. Using thick cases or covering the back of the phone can trap heat. Pocket usage and hot ambient temperatures can also cause heat to accumulate.
Old batteries
As phone batteries age and deteriorate, they become less efficient at delivering power. The harder an aging battery works, the more heat it generates. Replacing an old battery can help reduce overheating issues.
Hardware issues
Defective phone components like a faulty processor or damaged battery can lead to abnormal heating even with normal use. It’s a sign to get your phone inspected if heating persists even after a reboot.
Common Activities That Heat Up Phones
Here are some specific uses that typically cause phones to run hot:
Gaming
Gaming pushes the phone’s processor, RAM, and GPU to their limits. Graphically intensive games like Fortnite, Genshin Impact, and COD Mobile can make phones very hot, especially with prolonged use. The screen brightness and frame rates are also contributing factors.
VR/AR Use
Virtual reality and augmented reality apps need to rapidly process visual data. This strains the CPU and GPU, while the screen remains on at max brightness. Apps like Pokemon Go and those using Google Cardboard overheat phones quickly.
Recording 4K Video
Capture high-res 4K video puts the phone camera through intensive encoding and processing. Long recording sessions can heat up the imaging sensors and chipset. The same applies to 8K video on supported phones.
Video Calls
During video calls over FaceTime, Skype, etc., the phone camera and cellular radios are working overtime. Both the front and back cameras may be active to showcase environments. Extended video calls heat phones rapidly.
Multitasking
Having many apps open simultaneously divides processing power between them. The phone works harder when you’re gaming, streaming music, using GPS, etc. at the same time. This causes the internals to heat up quicker.
Web Browsing
Modern web pages are packed with graphics, videos, and ads. Scrolling through these information-dense sites strains the processor and RAM. Web games like Stadia also push hardware.
Using Hotspot
Turning your phone into a Wi-Fi hotspot routes all connected device data through it. The cellular modem has to handle extra network traffic, causing it to heat up. Slow connections can prolong hotspot usage and overheating.
Wireless Charging
Inductive wireless charging is less efficient than wired charging. Energy lost in heat transmission warms up phones noticeably. Quick charging also produces excess warmth during wireless charging.
Direct Sunlight
Leaving your phone in direct sunlight, like on the dashboard, can heat it up drastically. The greenhouse effect traps heat when sunlight enters but can’t escape the car interior. This rapidly raises temperatures.
Max Safe Operating Temperature
Most phones are designed to function in ambient temperatures between 32°F and 95°F. Prolonged exposure above 115°F begins to impact battery life and component longevity. At sustained temperatures above 130°F, the phone is at risk of serious damage. Brief spikes somewhat above 130°F are generally okay if the phone can cool off afterwards.
CPU and Battery Thresholds
Phone processors start throttling performance around 105°F to prevent overheating damage. Excess battery heat also risks lithium-ion swelling and rupturing. Well-designed phones will automatically shut down when hitting temperature extremes before hardware hazards occur.
Heat-Related Shutdowns
If your phone powers off unexpectedly, it’s likely a safety measure against overheating. Once cooled sufficiently, you can restart the phone normally. Avoid the activity that caused overheating. Chronic shutdowns indicate a hardware issue needing professional inspection.
Signs of Overheating Damage
Severe device overheating can damage the display, melt components, cause battery swelling, and impact water resistance. Visible symptoms include screen discoloration, misshapen components, separation of glued sections, and camera/button failures.
How to Keep Your Phone Cool
Use the following methods to prevent excessive phone heating during everyday use:
Remove Thick Cases
Bulky phone cases trap heat. Use thin cases or go caseless to maximize airflow and passive cooling. Avoid covering the entire back surface whenever possible.
Close Unused Apps
Apps running in the background use CPU cycles and memory. Close out games and programs when done using them to free up resources. Restart occasionally to clear memory caches.
Lower Screen Brightness
Keep brightness below 75% to reduce power demands on the display and GPU. Auto-brightness helps optimize brightness for ambient light conditions.
Disable Unused Features
Turn off mobile hotspot, NFC, Bluetooth, etc. when not in use. Disable background app refresh and notifications for little-used apps too.
Take Breaks During Gaming
Intensive 3D gaming heats up phones quickly. Take short breaks periodically to let your phone cool off and prevent thermal throttling.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Don’t leave your phone in confined spaces under direct sunlight. The interior can exceed 160°F in just minutes. Keep phones shaded.
Use Airplane Mode When Possible
Cellular activity and Wi-Fi generate incremental heat. Enable Airplane mode to cool down if overheating when connected.
Upgrade Charging Cable/Adapter
If using dated charging equipment, upgrade to manufacturer-approved fast charging components to maximize efficiency. Avoid low-quality generic chargers.
Clean Charging Port
Dust and pocket lint in the phone’s charging port can impede proper contact. Use compressed air to clear out the USB-C or Lightning connector.
Avoid Wireless Charging
Wired charging converts power more efficiently than inductive charging methods. Use wired charging when possible to reduce heat.
Get Phone Serviced
Chronic overheating could indicate failing battery or clogged heat pipes. Have a technician inspect internal components and replace battery if needed.
How to Cool Down an Overheated Phone
If your phone becomes too hot, use these quick remedies:
Stop Use
As soon as you notice overheating, quit resource-intensive apps immediately. Turn off the display if possible. Let the phone rest untouched.
Remove Case
Take off any cases, covers, skins to open airflow to hot components. Leave the phone be for 5-10 minutes.
Point Fan at Phone
Use a fan, A/C vent, or other airflow to actively cool down the overheated device and spread heat. Avoid extremely cold air.
Place on Cold Surface
Set the phone on a countertop, metal surface, or even a cold pack to conduct heat away. Don’t submerge in liquids.
Enter Airplane Mode
If overheating during cellular activity, enable Airplane mode. This halts transmission and lets components cool.
Reboot Device
If the phone is functional, reboot it to clear memory caches adding to heat. Overheating may trigger an automatic shutdown anyhow.
| Situation | Solution |
|---|---|
| Gaming or video streaming | Take breaks every 15-20 minutes |
| Charging phone | Avoid wireless charging; use manufacturer charger |
| Hot environment | Keep phone shaded; avoid confined spaces |
| Poor phone performance | Close background apps; restart phone |
Preventing Phone Overheating
Sustained overheating can degrade phones over time. Follow these guidelines to help prevent frequent overheating issues:
Don’t Overcharge Batteries
Avoid leaving phones plugged in for prolonged periods after reaching 100% charge. This exposes batteries to extra heat. Unplug once fully charged.
Update Software
Software updates often contain battery management and thermal regulation improvements. Keep phones updated to benefit from the latest optimizations.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Cars and other enclosed spaces trap heat when left in sunlight. Even short durations rapidly spike temperatures. Keep phones shaded.
Use Manufacturer Chargers
First-party charging bricks and cables are designed for optimal efficiency and heat management. Avoid cheap, generic chargers.
Check Battery Health
Degraded batteries struggle under loads and heat up quicker. Diagnostics can check battery capacity and recommend replacement if necessary.
Add a Fan/Cooling Accessory
Clip-on fans or phone cases with integrated fans provide active cooling during intensive smartphone use. They help dissipate heat.
Take Breaks
Avoid marathon sessions during gaming or other strenuous use. Letting phones cool periodically makes a big difference in heat buildup.
Limit Multitasking
Concentrate usage into fewer demanding apps simultaneously for better performance and less overworking of hardware. Close unused apps.
Maintain Airflow
Keep ports, buttons, speakers, and the back clear of obstructions for ventilation. Dust can insulate heat, so keep phones clean.
Conclusion
Moderate phone overheating during intensive activities is normal, but sustained high temperatures can shorten lifespan and cause damage. Be mindful to minimize heat exposure by taking breaks, providing airflow, keeping phones shaded, and avoiding mismatched or dirty chargers. Proper usage and maintenance will help your phone run cooler and last longer. If issues persist, don’t hesitate to get the device inspected by a repair shop to identify and resolve the root cause. With proper care, your phone should operate smoothly without getting uncomfortably hot.